Microsoft PowerPoint presentations will run on both PCs and Macs regardless the platform on which they were created. However, PowerPoint presentations created without using media-file best practices may encounter compatibility issues. Any problems a Mac has running a PowerPoint presentation created on a PC stem from embedded file type incompatibilities, as opposed to problems with PowerPoint itself.

PowerPoint Files are OS-Agnostic

PowerPoint files, identified by the file extension ".pptx," are operating-system agnostic files. An operating-system agnostic or cross-platform file's compatibility is determined by the program that reads the file, as opposed to the operating system. For example, Microsoft Office can read and edit Word Document, PowerPoint Presentation and Excel Spreadsheet files within the Windows and Mac OS X platforms. Alternatively, Windows, Mac OS X and Linux users can access Microsoft Office files using the OpenOffice program.

The Media File Conundrum

Designing PowerPoint presentations with cross-platform best practices in mind can ensure that all elements of the presentation will work in Office for both Windows and Mac OS X. According to Microsoft, users should avoid WindowsMedia and QuickTime file formats for audio and video content because the two may not work on Mac OS X and Windows systems respectively without installing additional software. Additionally, Mac-based "PICT" graphics won't work on PCs within presentations; instead, use GIF, PNG or JPG.

About the Author

Dan Stone started writing professionally in 2006, specializing in education, technology and music. He is a web developer for a communications company and previously worked in television. Stone received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Master of Arts in communication studies from Northern Illinois University.